Nonprofit Leadership Program Celebrates 2026 Graduates
Nineteen professionals in the Greater Scranton Area recently completed The University of Scranton's Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Graduates of the 13-month program, which features in-person sessions and workshops culminating in a capstone project and the formulation of an action plan to address a current issue or opportunity facing each individual's nonprofitorganization, were recognized at a closing ceremony, held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Brennan Hall. Throughout the program, individuals worked in cohorts led by experienced researchers and teachers with expertise in nonprofit organizations.The University of Scranton celebrated the graduation of 19 community leaders who participated in Cohort 5 of its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program (NLCP). Classes for the 13-month program, which seeks to develop future executives to serve area nonprofit institutions, began in January 2025.
The University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, housed in the Kania School of Management, seeks to support and advance nonprofit professionals through a comprehensive and academically rigorous leadership program to develop future executives to serve at NEPA nonprofit institutions.
Douglas Boyle, DBA'88, CPA, CMA, Accounting Department Chair and Founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, noted the program fulfills a critical need in the region.
“The NLCP creates an ecosystem for new and emerging leaders to collaborate on solving an organizational challenge and strengthening their leadership skills," he said. "The cohort-based approach assures that by building strong relationships, each participant gains a network of peers with specialized skills that they can gain insights from long after graduation. The program assists the organizations with succession planning, nurtures future collaborations with the nonprofit sector and most importantly yields strong and resilient leaders.”
From left: Helen Schmid, Telespond Senior Services; Jessica Freyne, Providence Pregnancy Center; coach Linda Ciampi; Jill Avery Stoss, the Institute; Alyse Kerr, Integrative Mind and Body; Pamela Anslinger, PA Housing Finance Agency.
From left: Rossanna Gabriel, Hazleton Integration Project, Inc.; Jessica Baab, the Luzerne Foundation; Amanda Masters, the Cooperage; coach Teddy Michel; Eileen Howells, the Wright Center; Jennifer Hayes Housel, Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers.
Since the program’s inception in 2017, 87 nonprofit professionals from more than 70 regional organizations have graduated from the program representing 10 counties. The program has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders.
Members of the 2025-2026 cohort of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the organizations they represent are:
Pam Anslinger, business development officer I, PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
Jessica Baab, philanthropic services coordinator, The Luzerne Foundation
Jessica Freyne, executive director, Providence Pregnancy Center
Rossanna Gabriel, executive director, Hazleton Integration Project, Inc.
Heather Greene, business manager, Jewish Family Services
Nicole Guzenski, workforce development LEAD center manager, Outreach
Jennifer Hayes Housel, executive director, Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers
Eileen Howells, designated institutional administrator, The Wright Center
Tara B. Jones, executive director, Lackawanna River Conservation Association
Alyse Kerr, executive director, Integrative Mind and Body
Marianne Linko, deputy chief operating officer, The Wright Center for Community Health
Amanda Masters, youth program manager, The Cooperage
Christine S. Pirillo, DHA, senior director laboratory medicine, Geisinger Health System
Dani Ruhf, chief executive officer and founder, Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP)
Helen Schmid, president and chief executive officer, Telespond Senior Services
Conor Simon, grants and outreach manager, Wayne County Community Foundation
Rachael Stark, NEPA program coordinator, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Jill Avery Stoss, president and CEO, The Institute
Gina Suydam, director, external affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
For additional information, visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or call 570-941-4047.
From left: Coach Cindy Yevich; Nicole Guzenski, Outreach; Connor Simon, Wayne County Community Foundation; Christine S. Pirillo, Geisinger Health System. Not pictured, Marianne Linko, the Wright Center for Community Health; and Gina Suydam, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
From left: Danielle Ruhf, Child Hunger Outreach Partners; Tara B. Jones, Lackawanna River Conservation Association; Heather Greene, Jewish Family Services; Rachael Stark, Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Not pictured, coach Ryanne Jennings.
